Don Was' presence as co-producer ensures some creativity and diversity to the sound, as do the contributions of top session players like Jim Keltner, Billy Preston, and Benmont Tench.

Simon's vocals are strong, and one of the two originals, "The Land of Christmas (Mary)," is not only pretty straight-ahead and gutsy, but sounds a lot better than most of the contemporary material she did on her secular records in the 1980s and 1990s.

"[8] Entertainment Weekly stated "Simon's always had a rueful streak, and this CD's spartan arrangements don't lend much cheer.

"[9] Simon re-released the album the following year with two bonus tracks: "White Christmas" (with Burt Bacharach) and "Forgive" (with Andreas Vollenweider).

[11] Borders released special limited copies in 2010 with the bonus track "The Night Before Christmas", from Simon's soundtrack album to the 1992 film This Is My Life.